From Tradition to Necessity: Clothing Adaptation in Swat During and After Conflict
Keywords:
Clothing Adaptation, Conflict, Dictated, Security, SwatAbstract
The armed conflict in Swat Valley (2007–2009) deeply impacted the region’s traditional clothing practices. This study explores the transformation of attire from symbols of cultural identity to items of necessity dictated by survival, displacement, and security concerns. Using a structured questionnaire and SPSS analysis of 200 respondents from rural and urban Swat, this paper documents key shifts in fabric use, design, and production. Findings show a decline in handcrafted textiles and a rise in functional, often synthetic clothing. Despite this, cultural pride and resilience have led to ongoing efforts to preserve Swat’s sartorial heritage. This paper sheds light on how communities negotiate identity through clothing in post-conflict recovery.
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